Putin critic fights deportation over murder charges

A CRITIC of Vladimir Putin should not be deported to face murder charges because it would “send a message to other opponents of the regime that no one is beyond its reach”, a court has heard.

London-based Russian Georgy Shuppe is wanted in his native country on charges of murder and fraud, but his lawyer said the case against him was “bogus”.

The 46-year-old is accused of organising the assassination of businessman Alexander Mineev, who was shot 22 times with a Kalashnikov rifle in broad daylight in January 2014 in Korolev city, after fraudulently taking over assets belonging to him.

A lawyer for Mr Shuppe told an extradition hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court the allegations were false and politically motivated, given his client’s relationship with the late Boris Berezovsky.

Mr Shuppe, of south-west London, was a former business partner and close confidante of Mr Berezovsky, and had been married to his daughter. Mr Berezovsky, who was found dead at his home in Ascot, Berkshire, in 2013, was an outspoken critic of the Russian president.

Hugo Keith QC, for Mr Shuppe, told the court the move to extradite his client, if successful, would be held up as a warning to others who speak out against the Russian state.